View source for Disney Springs

{{Short description|Shopping mall in Lake Buena Vista, Florida}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{use American English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox shopping mall
| name            = Disney Springs 
| logo            = Disney Springs.svg
| image           = 
| caption         = 
| type            = 
| location        = [[Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World Resort]]<br>[[Lake Buena Vista, Florida]], U.S.
| coordinates     = {{Coord|display=it}}
| website         = {{Official website}}
| owner           = [[The Walt Disney Company]]
| manager         = [[Walt Disney World]]<br>'''Key People''' - Matt Simon (VP)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story/disney-springs-reveals-safety-practices-ahead-phased-reopening-70565798 | title=Disney Springs will begin a 'phased reopening' on May 20 | access-date=October 5, 2023 | archive-date=October 8, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008082531/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story/disney-springs-reveals-safety-practices-ahead-phased-reopening-70565798 | url-status=live }}</ref>
| opening_date    = {{Start date and age|1975|3|22}}
| previous_names  = {{Plainlist|
* Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village (1975–1977)
* Walt Disney World Village (1977–1989)
* Disney Village Marketplace (1989–1997)
* Downtown Disney (1997–2015)
* Disney Springs (2015–present)
}}
| publictransit   = {{bus icon|12px|Local Transit}} [[File:LYNX transportation logo.svg|50px|Lynx|link=Lynx (Orlando)]] 50 & 300-306<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney Area|url=https://www.golynx.com/core/fileparse.php/97405/urlt/LNX_Lft_DisneyArea_WEB.pdf|publisher=Lynx|access-date=January 24, 2019|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://lynx.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a32ae1026be84b338f5b20ec881aa91b|publisher=ArcGIS Web Application|title=LYNX Transit Service Route Ridership GFI and Stop Ridership Summary APC|access-date=February 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508070254/http://lynx.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a32ae1026be84b338f5b20ec881aa91b|archive-date=May 8, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><br>[[Disney Transport]]
}}
{{DWR}}

'''Disney Springs''' is an outdoor [[shopping center|shopping]], [[dining]], and [[entertainment]] complex at the [[Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World Resort]] in [[Lake Buena Vista, Florida]], near [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]]. 

First opened on March 22, 1975 as '''Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village''', it has been expanded and rebranded over the years as '''Walt Disney World Village''' (1977), '''Disney Village Marketplace''' (1989), and '''Downtown Disney''' (1997), becoming Disney Springs in 2015. A similar complex is being developed on the opposite side of Walt Disney World called [[Flamingo Crossings]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.disneytouristblog.com/flamingo-crossings-disney-world-guide-shopping-dining-hotels/ | title=Guide to Flamingo Crossings: Disney World's "Second Springs" | date=March 25, 2022 | access-date=October 8, 2023 | archive-date=November 1, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101160506/https://www.disneytouristblog.com/flamingo-crossings-disney-world-guide-shopping-dining-hotels/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

The {{convert|120|acre|adj=on}} complex includes four distinct areas: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side. Buses and [[water taxi]]s operated by [[Disney Transport]] provide transportation between Disney Springs and other areas of Walt Disney World.

==History==

===Early expansion; multiple rebrandings===
[[File:Disney Springs Ariel View.jpg|thumb|left|Aerial view of Disney Springs, 2016]]
[[File:DowntownDisney-Balloon-2092.jpg|thumb|left|''Characters in Flight'' observation balloon ride]]

The Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, which opened on March 22, 1975, was originally envisioned as an area shopping mall. Two years after its opening, the complex was renamed Walt Disney World Village. With the advent of new management under [[Michael Eisner]] in 1984, Disney began looking for ways to keep vacationers on Walt Disney World property longer, and prevent them from leaving for entertainment beyond Disney's borders.<ref name="smith2013">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=David | title=WDWNT: The Magazine – Downtown Disney, A History  | website=WDW News Today | date=July 7, 2013 | url=http://wdwnt.com/blog/2013/07/wdwnt-the-magazine-downtown-disney-a-history/ | access-date=September 11, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123032753/http://wdwnt.com/blog/2013/07/wdwnt-the-magazine-downtown-disney-a-history/ | archive-date=November 23, 2015 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

To compete with the popular [[Church Street Station (Orlando)|Church Street Station]] clubs in downtown Orlando, Disney announced the addition of [[Pleasure Island (Walt Disney World)|Pleasure Island]], featuring nightclubs showcasing Disney's quality and creativity, to Walt Disney World Village on July 21, 1986. Construction began the following August and Pleasure Island was opened on May 1, 1989, the same day as the [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]] theme park. Later that year, the complex was renamed Disney Village Marketplace.<ref name=smith2013/>

In the mid-1990s, the growth of [[Walt Disney World]] created the potential for further expansion, leading to a $1 billion investment in projects across the resort.<ref name="st-petersburg-times-1997">{{cite news| title=Walt Disney World Diversifies Entertainment at Florida Park.| newspaper=St. Petersburg Times| date=February 10, 1997| url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-19107183.html| access-date=September 18, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222180257/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-19107183.html| archive-date=February 22, 2016| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all|via=HighBeam}}</ref> The first [[World of Disney]] store opened October 2, 1996, in Marketplace.<ref>Smith, Dave. Page 620. Disney A to Z - The Updated Official Encyclopedia. 1998. Retrieved from {{cite web|last1=Polsson|first1=Ken|title=Chronology of Walt Disney World (1995-end)|url=http://kpolsson.com/wdworld/wdw1995.htm|website=Chronology of the Walt Disney Company|publisher=Ken Polsson|access-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926131249/http://kpolsson.com/wdworld/wdw1995.htm|archive-date=September 26, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On June 20, 1995, a major enhancements and expansions were announced for the area, with the Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island being combined into a newly branded district named Downtown Disney. The re-branding was introduced on September 7, 1997.<ref name=st-petersburg-times-1997/> On September 15, Downtown Disney West Side, a {{convert|66|acre|ha}} expansion, opened as a third shopping, dining, and entertainment area featuring venues such as [[La Nouba]] (the former [[Cirque du Soleil|Cirque Du Soleil]] show in residence which closed at the end of 2017), [[DisneyQuest]], and [[Virgin Megastore]]. Major changes to the complex also included the conversion of Mickey's Character Shop into the [[World of Disney]], becoming the world's largest [[Disney Store|Disney store]], in addition to the expansion and upgrade of the [[AMC Theatres|AMC]] Pleasure Island Theatres, as well as the opening of [[Rainforest Cafe]] and [[Planet Hollywood]].<ref name=smith2013/><ref name=st-petersburg-times-1997/> On September 27, 2008, the Pleasure Island nightclubs closed.<ref name=smith2013/>

The Downtown Disney Mall Complex gained a sister district in California on January 12, 2001, with the addition of [[Downtown Disney]] at the [[Disneyland Resort]]. Similar complexes also exist at other Disney resorts: [[Disney Village]], which opened on April 12, 1992, at [[Disneyland Paris]]; [[Ikspiari]], which opened on July 7, 2000, at the [[Tokyo Disney Resort]]; and [[Disneytown]] at [[Shanghai Disney Resort]].

===Renovation, expansion, and renaming===
[[File:The Springs of Disney Springs - Town Center (26499507463).jpg|thumb|The Springs of Disney Springs - Town Center (from The Landing).  Welcome Center in gabled building on left.]]

On March 14, 2013, [[Disney Parks, Experiences and Products|Walt Disney Parks and Resorts]] chairman [[Thomas O. Staggs|Tom Staggs]] announced that Downtown Disney would be redesigned and renamed as Disney Springs.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Noyes|first=Heather|title=Why Did They Change Downtown Disney To Disney Springs?|url=https://wdwtravels.com/disney-springs/why-did-they-change-downtown-disney-to-disney-springs/|website=[[WDW Travels]]|date=July 30, 2020|access-date=October 8, 2020|archive-date=October 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001063040/https://wdwtravels.com/disney-springs/why-did-they-change-downtown-disney-to-disney-springs/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Crystal blue waters flow through the center of Disney Springs|url=http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs/news/12jan2016-photos---crystal-blue-waters-flow-through-the-center-of-disney-springs.htm|website=WDWMagic.com|access-date=January 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114145523/http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs/news/12jan2016-photos---crystal-blue-waters-flow-through-the-center-of-disney-springs.htm|archive-date=January 14, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The 3-year renovation and expansion project would include 150 new tenants, two [[Multi-storey car park|parking structures]],<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|last=Barnes|first=Brooks|title=Disney Announces Overhaul to Its Retail Complex in Orlando ... Again.|url=https://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/14/disney-announces-overhaul-to-its-retail-complex-in-orlando-again/|access-date=March 14, 2013|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130314182904/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/03/14/disney-announces-overhaul-to-its-retail-complex-in-orlando-again/|archive-date=March 14, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> and a near-doubling of the mall area.<ref name="NYT"/> Prior to this announcement, the last renovation of Downtown Disney had been in 1997.<ref name="NYT" />

In order to facilitate the construction of the area and the increase in capacity, two large parking structures were constructed in previous surface parking lot areas. New construction features include new bridges connecting the complex to [[Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa|Disney's Saratoga Springs]] resort, with further bridges connecting The Landing to the Marketplace, The Springs, Town Center and West Side. ''High Line'' structures were built across the West Side in order to provide both theme and shade.<ref name="wdwmagic-disneysprings">{{cite web|url=http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs.htm|title=Disney Springs|work=wdwmagic.com|access-date=September 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905053936/http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs.htm|archive-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In addition, a new bus terminal, with dedicated bus lanes on Buena Vista Drive, was built;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/05/the-new-disney-springs-bus-loop-is-now-open-for-disney-resort-guests/|title=The New Disney Springs Bus Loop is Now Open for Disney Resort Guests|date=May 31, 2016 |language=en-us|access-date=2016-09-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922213446/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/05/the-new-disney-springs-bus-loop-is-now-open-for-disney-resort-guests/|archive-date=September 22, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/disney-springs/roadwork-explanation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911151648/https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/disney-springs/roadwork-explanation/ |archive-date=September 11, 2016 |title=Disney Springs FAQ: Roadwork {{!}} Walt Disney World Resort |website=disneyworld.disney.go.com |access-date=2016-09-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Buena Vista Drive was widened, and a new exit ramp built from [[Interstate 4]] directly to Disney Springs, as part of the traffic upgrade.<ref name=":0" /> The complex was renamed Disney Springs on September 29, 2015.<ref name="Name Change Official">{{cite web|last1=Bevil|first1=Dewayne|title=Downtown Disney name change kicks in today|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-downtown-disney-springs-name-20150923-post.html|website=orlandosentinel.com|publisher=Orlando Sentinel|access-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929180258/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-downtown-disney-springs-name-20150923-post.html|archive-date=September 29, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Town Center, built just south of The Landing in the surface parking lots, was opened on May 15, 2016, completing the major construction on the project.<ref name="itm201605">{{cite web | last=Andersson | first=Corinne | title=PHOTOS: Disney Tidbits Disney Springs | website=Inside the Magic | date=2016-05-12 | url=http://www.insidethemagic.net/2016/05/photos-disney-tidbits-disney-springs-town-center-getting-ready-new-fountain-in-the-landing-disney-merchandise-and-more/ | access-date=2016-05-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160512215459/http://www.insidethemagic.net/2016/05/photos-disney-tidbits-disney-springs-town-center-getting-ready-new-fountain-in-the-landing-disney-merchandise-and-more/ | archive-date=May 12, 2016 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> A third parking garage began construction in 2017<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mike |date=2017-09-22 |title=PHOTOS: Disney Springs Third Parking Garage Construction (September 2017) |url=https://blogmickey.com/2017/09/photos-disney-springs-third-parking-garage-construction-september-2017/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=BlogMickey.com - Disney World News, Photos, and Info |language=en-US |archive-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229192919/https://blogmickey.com/2017/09/photos-disney-springs-third-parking-garage-construction-september-2017/ |url-status=live }}</ref> across Buena Vista Drive and opened as Grapefruit Garage on April 16, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mike |date=2017-09-22 |title=PHOTOS: Disney Springs Third Parking Garage Construction (September 2017) |url=https://blogmickey.com/2017/09/photos-disney-springs-third-parking-garage-construction-september-2017/ |access-date=2022-12-29 |website=BlogMickey.com - Disney World News, Photos, and Info |language=en-US}}</ref>

On March 17, 2020, Disney Springs closed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Florida]].<ref name="closure">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbc-2.com/story/41903584/is-disney-springs-closed-coronavirus|title=Disney Springs closing company-owned restaurants, stores|website=www.nbc-2.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-19|archive-date=March 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318183224/https://www.nbc-2.com/story/41903584/is-disney-springs-closed-coronavirus|url-status=dead}}</ref> On May 7, 2020, it was announced that Disney Springs would begin a phased reopening on May 20.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/disney-springs-begins-phased-reopening-on-may-20/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507233944/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/05/disney-springs-begins-phased-reopening-on-may-20/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 7, 2020|title=Disney Springs Begins Phased Reopening on May 20|first=Matt|last=Simon|work=Disney Parks Blog|date=May 7, 2020|access-date=May 11, 2020}}</ref>

On May 24, 2024, a nighttime drone show, '''Dreams That Soar''', began running nightly at Disney Springs, which ran until September 2, 2024. The show was revealed with several other highlights at the Walt Disney World Resort.<ref>{{cite web | last=Flaherty | first=Morgan | title=Disney Dreams That Soar Drone Experience Debuts at Disney Springs | website=WDW Magazine | date=May 27, 2024 | url=https://www.wdw-magazine.com/disney-dreams-that-soar/ | access-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817023033/https://www.wdw-magazine.com/disney-dreams-that-soar/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Tutten | first=James | title='Disney Dreams That Soar' drone show to debut Friday at Disney Springs | website=WFTV | date=May 24, 2024 | url=https://www.wftv.com/news/local/disney-dreams-that-soar-drone-show-debut-friday-disney-springs/YFDZQKKIB5HSFAWUR2IAUCCJI4/ | access-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817023034/https://www.wftv.com/news/local/disney-dreams-that-soar-drone-show-debut-friday-disney-springs/YFDZQKKIB5HSFAWUR2IAUCCJI4/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Disney World had also hosted a five-minute drone show titled '''Starbright Holidays''' for the 2016 holiday season.<ref>{{cite web | title=Intel's Starbright Holidays drone show starts November 20 at Disney Springs | website=Attractions Magazine | date=November 19, 2016 | url=https://attractionsmagazine.com/intel-starbright-holidays-drone-show-starts-november-20-disney-springs/ | access-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-date=August 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817023035/https://attractionsmagazine.com/intel-starbright-holidays-drone-show-starts-november-20-disney-springs/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Areas==
Disney Springs is divided into four areas: Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side. The complex is bordered by [[Lake Buena Vista#The lake|Lake Buena Vista]] to the north and the parking garages and surface lots to the south. [[Walt Disney Imagineering]] took inspiration for Disney Springs from real coastal towns found throughout Florida, such as [[St. Augustine, Florida|St. Augustine]] and [[Coral Gables, Florida|Coral Gables]].<ref name="USAStory">{{cite news|last1=Levine|first1=Arthur|title=Disney Springs: The story behind Disney World's former Downtown Disney|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/2016/06/01/disney-springs-downtown-disney-walt-disney-world/85208362/|access-date=June 1, 2016|work=USA Today|date=June 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601133550/http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/2016/06/01/disney-springs-downtown-disney-walt-disney-world/85208362/|archive-date=June 1, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Creative director Dave Hoffman said about the area, "Each neighborhood reflects its function and [the fictional] time period when it was developed." According to the town's fictional history, Disney Springs was settled in the mid-1800s by a cattle rancher who discovered the town's namesake [[Spring (hydrology)|springs]] and the town subsequently expanded from the springs outwards.<ref name=USAStory/>

<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="180">
File:World of Disney (2307573262).jpg|Marketplace (as pictured with the [[World of Disney]] in 2008)
File:Disney Springs (27832907556).jpg|The Landing
File:Disney Springs (27832916856).jpg|Town Center
File:Harley-Davidson Store at Disney Springs (22883953737).jpg|West Side (as pictured in 2015)
</gallery>

===Marketplace===
The Marketplace houses many shops and restaurants reminiscent of the [[American Craftsman]]-style of the 1930s.<ref name=USAStory/> The first restaurant in the [[Earl of Sandwich (restaurant)|Earl of Sandwich]] chain is located here. T-Rex Cafe is a [[dinosaur]]-themed restaurant operated by [[Landry's Restaurants]], which features animatronic dinosaurs. It opened on October 14, 2008. Landry's Restaurants also operates [[Rainforest Cafe]] at this location. A walkway spanning the Village Lake and connecting [[Rainforest Cafe]] with the [[Lego Store]]—The Marketplace Causeway—was constructed and opened in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs/news/13may2014-photos---disney-springs-marketplace-causeway-construction.htm|title=PHOTOS - Disney Springs Marketplace causeway construction|work=wdwmagic.com|access-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518072337/http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs/news/13may2014-photos---disney-springs-marketplace-causeway-construction.htm|archive-date=May 18, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Clark|first1=Darcy|title=The Village Causeway Opens to Guests at Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort|url=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/02/the-village-causeway-opens-to-guests-at-downtown-disney-marketplace-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|website=disneyparks.disney.go.com|date=February 17, 2015 |publisher=Disney Parks Blog|access-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930235928/http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/02/the-village-causeway-opens-to-guests-at-downtown-disney-marketplace-at-walt-disney-world-resort/|archive-date=September 30, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===The Landing===
The Landing depicts the fictional town's transportation hub and [[marina]].<ref name=USAStory/> The Landing features nautical-themed restaurants and shops, including Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar—an aviation-themed [[dive bar]] based on [[List of Indiana Jones characters#Jock Lindsey|the character]] from the ''[[Indiana Jones]]'' films—and The Boathouse, which serves as the port for the [[amphibious automobile]]s that offer cruises of Lake Buena Vista.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mauney|first1=Matt|title=Disney Imagineering details Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-disney-details-jock-lindseys-hangar-bar-story.html|access-date=June 1, 2016|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=February 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422074449/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-disney-details-jock-lindseys-hangar-bar-story.html|archive-date=April 22, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=USAStory/> The [[Amphicar]] is the amphibious vehicle used for the cruises.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hemmings |date=December 8, 2015 |title=Up close with the Amphicars of Disney Springs |url=https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2015/12/08/up-close-with-the-amphicars-of-disney-springs |access-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313210940/https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2015/12/08/up-close-with-the-amphicars-of-disney-springs |url-status=live }}</ref> The area is also home to the Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.disneysprings.com/dining/raglan-road-irish-pub-and-restaurant/|title=Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant|publisher=disneysprings.com|accessdate=February 27, 2024|archive-date=February 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227182119/https://www.disneysprings.com/dining/raglan-road-irish-pub-and-restaurant/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Landing was in the site of [[Pleasure Island (Walt Disney World)|Pleasure Island]], a nighttime entertainment district with two comedy clubs and four dance clubs. These areas closed permanently on September 27, 2008. On November 18, 2010, Disney announced a project named Hyperion Wharf, which was planned to replace the Pleasure Island complex. Pleasure Island would have undergone extensive renovations and re-theming to transform into the early twentieth century wharf-themed entertainment area. New shopping and dining locations would have also been added.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-pleasure-island-changes-20101118,0,2869804.story|title=Disney to convert Pleasure Island into wharf-themed district|work=tribunedigital-orlandosentinel|access-date=November 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206224643/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-pleasure-island-changes-20101118,0,2869804.story|archive-date=December 6, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In July 2011, it was announced that these plans were delayed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-hyperion-wharf-stalled-20110712,0,5782159.story|title=Hyperion Wharf delayed: Disney says its Hyperion Wharf project, which was to replace Pleasure Island, has been delayed|work=tribunedigital-orlandosentinel|access-date=July 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714055709/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-hyperion-wharf-stalled-20110712,0,5782159.story|archive-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The plans were later canceled because it was deemed better to totally overhaul the Downtown Disney area.<ref name="NYT" />  With the advent of Disney Springs, the former Pleasure Island was redesigned as The Landing in 2015.<ref name="wdwmagic.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs/news/14mar2013-disney-officially-announced-disney-springs.htm|title=Disney officially announce Disney Springs|work=wdwmagic.com|access-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219052259/http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-springs/news/14mar2013-disney-officially-announced-disney-springs.htm|archive-date=February 19, 2014|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

====The ''Empress Lilly''====
[[File:Paddlefish restaurant, Disney Springs.jpg|thumb|The former ''Empress Lilly'', now the Paddlefish restaurant]]
The structure originally known as the ''Empress Lilly'' is a static full-size replica of a [[paddle steamer]] [[riverboat]] on Village Lake. It is 220 feet long and 62 feet wide. Though it resembles a paddle steamer boat, it is actually a boat-shaped building on a submerged concrete foundation.<ref name="wdwforgrownups empress lilly">{{cite web|url=http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/looking-back-empress-lilly|title=Looking Back At The Empress Lilly|access-date=November 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031100542/http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/looking-back-empress-lilly|archive-date=October 31, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

It opened on May 1, 1977, when it was christened by [[Walt Disney]]'s widow, [[Lillian Disney]], for whom it was named. It originally housed four separate entertainment and dining areas.<ref name="wdwforgrownups empress lilly"/>  In the mid-1990s, [[Levy Restaurants]] signed a contract to operate the "ship" for 20 years.<ref name="wdwforgrownups empress lilly"/> On April 22, 1995, the ''Empress Lilly'' closed. The interior was remodeled and the old smokestacks and paddlewheel were removed due to rust and rot. The restaurant opened as Fulton's Crab House on March 10, 1996.<ref name="wdwforgrownups empress lilly"/> Fulton's Crab House closed for major renovations in 2016 to be remodeled into a new restaurant, Paddlefish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/05/paddlefish-opens-in-fall-2016-at-disney-springs/|title=Paddlefish Opens in Fall 2016 at Disney Springs|work=Disney Parks Blog|date=May 3, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531033743/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/05/paddlefish-opens-in-fall-2016-at-disney-springs/|archive-date=May 31, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> As part of the transformation, the ship received new smokestacks and a new paddlewheel.

===Town Center===
Town Center depicts the fictional town's [[central business district]], featuring [[Spanish Revival]] architecture from the 1920s.<ref name=USAStory/> The Town Center area also features the namesake "[[Spring (hydrology)|springs]]", which are artificial.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ferrante|first1=Deanna|title=Disney is literally putting the 'springs' in Disney Springs with new 'natural' water feature|url=http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/02/05/disney-is-literally-putting-the-springs-in-disney-springs-with-new-natural-water-feature|website=Orlando Weekly|access-date=18 May 2016|archive-date=May 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525074904/http://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/archives/2016/02/05/disney-is-literally-putting-the-springs-in-disney-springs-with-new-natural-water-feature|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Fickley-Baker|first1=Jennifer|title=All in the Details: Putting the 'Springs' Into Disney Springs|url=http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/01/all-in-the-details-putting-the-springs-into-disney-springs/?CMP=SOC-FBPAGE20160202143000|website=Disney Parks Blog|date=January 26, 2016 |access-date=18 May 2016|language=en-us|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602043747/http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/01/all-in-the-details-putting-the-springs-into-disney-springs/?CMP=SOC-FBPAGE20160202143000|archive-date=June 2, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The area debuted in 2016, having been built on former surface parking lots, and features many well known retailers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-downtown-disney-springs-update-20150512-story.html|title=Town Center is next phase of Downtown Disney project - Orlando Sentinel|first=Dewayne|last=Bevil|date=May 12, 2015|work=OrlandoSentinel.com|access-date=February 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303191336/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-downtown-disney-springs-update-20150512-story.html|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The area will open in multiple phases, with the first phase having opened on May 15, 2017.<ref name=itm201605/><ref name="Attractions Magazine Town Center">{{cite web|url=http://attractionsmagazine.com/retail-dining-options-announced-disney-springs/|title=More than 30 stores and restaurants coming to Disney Springs|work=Orlando Attractions Magazine|date=February 29, 2016|access-date=February 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306025728/http://attractionsmagazine.com/retail-dining-options-announced-disney-springs/|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Retailers to have opened in the first phase of Town Center include [[Anthropologie]], [[Uniqlo]] (the first of its kind in the Southeastern United States), [[Sephora]], [[L'Occitane en Provence]], [[Pandora (jewelry)|Pandora]], [[UGG Australia|UGG]], [[Johnston & Murphy]], [[Zara (retailer)|ZARA]] and [[Kate Spade New York|Kate Spade]] and Trophy Room among many others.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/05/town-center-is-now-open-at-disney-springs/|title=Town Center is Now Open at Disney Springs|work=Disney Parks Blog|date=May 15, 2016 |access-date=May 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531040753/https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/05/town-center-is-now-open-at-disney-springs/|archive-date=May 31, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===West Side===

West Side depicts the town's [[World's fair|exposition center]], having been developed in the 1950s, according to the town's fictional history.<ref name=USAStory/>

The expansion of the existing ''[[AMC Theatres|AMC Theatres Pleasure Island 24]]'' venue opened with Downtown Disney West Side in 1997. Renovations began in late 2010, which created theaters offering enhanced food service. The complex was renamed [[AMC Theatres|AMC Downtown Disney 24]]. In 1997, there were plans to open a [[Planet Movies by AMC]] entertainment complex at this location by combining the [[Planet Hollywood]] restaurant with a re-branded AMC megaplex. These plans were abandoned due to [[Planet Hollywood]]'s continued financial problems. The complex has now been renamed [[AMC Theatres|AMC Disney Springs 24]].<ref>{{cite web|title=AMC Disney Springs 24 with Dine-in Theatres|url=https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/orlando-daytona-beach/amc-disney-springs-24-with-dine-in-theatres|website=amctheaters.com|publisher=AMC Theatres|access-date=September 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001123159/https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/orlando-daytona-beach/amc-disney-springs-24-with-dine-in-theatres|archive-date=October 1, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[DisneyQuest]] was located in this area until it closed on July 2, 2017,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Skambis|first1=Chip|title=DisneyQuest to close Sunday|url=http://www.wftv.com/news/local/disneyquest-to-close-sunday/547091610|website=[[WFTV]]|publisher=Cox Media Group|access-date=July 2, 2017|date=July 2, 2017|archive-date=July 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170704002747/http://www.wftv.com/news/local/disneyquest-to-close-sunday/547091610|url-status=live}}</ref> and was subsequently demolished.<ref>{{cite web | last=Bevil | first=Dewayne | title=Video: DisneyQuest demolition | website=Orlando Sentinel | date=October 20, 2017 | url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-bz-disneyquest-demolition-nba-experience-20171020-story.html | access-date=August 20, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820234810/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-bz-disneyquest-demolition-nba-experience-20171020-story.html | archive-date=August 20, 2018 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> The [[NBA]] Experience, which was built on the [[DisneyQuest]] site, briefly operated for 7 months from August 12, 2019, through March 2020 due to closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. On August 16, 2021, it was confirmed that the location would never reopen.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/pictures-nba-experience-opens-at-disney-springs-20190812-lg5i37byavc4ljagfaxrz37cji-photogallery.html|title=Pictures: NBA Experience Opens at Disney Springs|website=orlandosentinel.com|date=August 12, 2019|access-date=2019-08-14|archive-date=August 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814024406/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/pictures-nba-experience-opens-at-disney-springs-20190812-lg5i37byavc4ljagfaxrz37cji-photogallery.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2019/08/12/nba-experience-opens-at-disney-springs|title=NBA Experience Opens at Disney Springs|website=www.mynews13.com|language=en|access-date=2019-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=NBA Experience at Disney Springs will not reopen|url=https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2021/08/16/nba-experience-at-disney-springs-will-not-reopen-|access-date=2021-09-07|website=www.mynews13.com|language=en|archive-date=August 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816220129/https://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/attractions/2021/08/16/nba-experience-at-disney-springs-will-not-reopen-|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 19, 2025, it was reported that Level99, an [[escape room]] attraction, would replace the NBA Experience.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/level99/news/19feb2025-level99-officially-coming-to-disney-springs,-largest-location-to-date-confirmed.htm |title=Level99 Officially Coming to Disney Springs, Largest Location to Date Confirmed |website=WDW Magic |date=February 19, 2025 |access-date=February 20, 2025}}</ref>

{{wide image|Disney Springs (27844113181).jpg|1000px|Panoramic view of the springs and the Landing from Town Center}}

== Transportation ==

The complex is very car dependent. There are 3 parking garages at Disney Springs: the Orange Garage, the Lime Garage, and the Grapefruit Garage. There are also 4 surface parking lots: the Lemon Parking Lot, the Mango Parking Lot, the Strawberry Parking Lot, and the Watermelon Parking Lot.<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney Springs Map & Directions|url=https://www.disneysprings.com/disney-springs-map/|work=Disney Springs|access-date=May 2, 2021|archive-date=May 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502152554/https://www.disneysprings.com/disney-springs-map/|url-status=live}}</ref> A direct exit exists from westbound Interstate 4 to Disney Springs which is directly connected to the Orange Garage. Parking is free although valet parking is available for a fee of $20.<ref>{{cite web|title=Disney Spring FAQ: New Parking|url=https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/faq/disney-springs/additional-parking/|work=Disney Springs|access-date=May 2, 2021|archive-date=May 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502152547/https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/faq/disney-springs/additional-parking/|url-status=live}}</ref> 

Public transport is poor with no train or any other from of rail connection. Disney Springs is served by [[Disney Transport]] buses which serve all Disney resort hotels. There is no direct bus service from Disney Springs to Disney parks. A [[Brightline]] train station was planned to be built nearby, which would have provided service to Tampa, Orlando Airport, and Miami, however, on June 28, 2022, Disney announced that the station would not be built nor would the train run on the Walt Disney World park property.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnston |first=Bob |date=June 28, 2022 |title=Brightline station serving Disney World won't be on theme park's property |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/brightline-station-serving-disney-world-wont-be-on-theme-parks-property/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628181201/https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/brightline-station-serving-disney-world-wont-be-on-theme-parks-property/ |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=June 28, 2022 |work=[[Trains (magazine)|Trains]] |publisher=[[Kalmbach Media]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 23, 2020 |title=New Train to Disney World Eyes 2023 Debut Date |url=https://insidethemagic.net/2020/12/brightline-train-disney-world-tm1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502152550/https://insidethemagic.net/2020/12/brightline-train-disney-world-tm1/ |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=May 2, 2021 |work=Inside the Magic}}</ref>  

The only public transport connections to the complex are in the form of a bus and ferry services: 

A direct bus service to Disney Parks is available from the Congress Park bus stop at Saratoga Springs (located near Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs) and bus service is available from Disney Springs to the Contemporary Resort (near Magic Kingdom) and the Boardwalk, Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts (near Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios). Additionally, [[Lynx (Orlando)|Lynx]] serves the Disney Springs with bus routes 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 306 and 312 which depart from the bus terminal on the west side of the complex adjacent to the Watermelon Parking Lot.  

Ferry service is provided within Disney Springs and from Disney Springs to the Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, and Port Orleans resorts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Disney World Transportation Map |url=https://magicguides.com/disney-world-transportation-map/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021095805/https://magicguides.com/disney-world-transportation-map/ |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |access-date=May 2, 2021 |work=Magic Guides}}</ref>

== Accidents and incidents ==
{{See also|List of incidents at Walt Disney World#Disney Springs}}
=== Theft by SCUBA ===
Shortly after midnight on September 15, 2025 a suspect dressed in SCUBA gear allegedly swam up to the Paddlefish restaurant at Disney Springs, tied up two employees as they were counting the evening’s cash, stole between $10,000 and $20,000, jumped back into the water and swam away.  The suspect is still at large despite an image of the thief in full wetsuit, mask, goggles, and gear.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bellinghausen |first=Grace |date=2025-09-16 |title=Scuba-clad suspect ties up workers, steals thousands from Disney Springs eatery |url=https://cbs12.com/news/local/scuba-clad-suspect-ties-up-workers-steals-thousands-from-disney-springs-eatery-paddlefish-eatery-lake-buena-vista-september-16-2025 |access-date=2025-10-10 |website=WPEC |language=en}}</ref>

=== Fish Tank Failure ===
In 2017, a very serious incident occurred on the 17th of March, when a large fish tank burst and flooded the T-Rex Cafe and thousands of tropical fish and other marine creatures escaped the tank.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hetter |first=Katia |date=2014-03-18 |title=Downtown Disney fish tank bursts |url=https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/18/travel/disney-fish-tank-bursts |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref>

Catastrophic failures and major leaks have occurred at numerous large [[Poly(methyl methacrylate)|acrylic]] tanks, including failures at the [[Radisson Collection]] Hotel in the DomAquarée complex in [[Berlin]] with its [[AquaDom]]; the Dubai Aquarium at the [[The Dubai Mall#Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo inspired from "The Underwater Paradise"|Dubai Mall]]; the Orient Shopping Center, Shanghai; the Gulfstream Casino, Hallandale Beach, Florida; at the Lotte Tower, Seoul, South Korea and at the Mazatlan, Mexico Aquarium.<ref>{{citation |last=Gramann |first=Paul J. |title=When acrylic aquariums fail |date=13 July 2018 |journal=Plastics Today |url=https://www.plasticstoday.com/materials/when-acrylic-aquariums-fail |access-date=16 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216192405/https://www.plasticstoday.com/materials/when-acrylic-aquariums-fail |archive-date=16 December 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{citation |last=Gramann |first=Paul J. |title=Investigating Acrylic Aquarium Failures |date=9 July 2018 |url=https://madisongroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Investigating_Acrylic_Aquarium_Failures.pdf |publisher=The Madison Group}} [https://fdocuments.net/document/investigating-acrylic-aquarium-failures-madison-group-acrylic-investigating.html?page=1 Alternative URL]</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*{{Official website}}

{{Walt Disney World}}
{{Walt Disney Parks and Resorts}}
{{Greater Orlando Malls}}
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[[Category:Disney Springs| ]]
[[Category:1975 establishments in Florida]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Lake Buena Vista, Florida]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Greater Orlando]]
[[Category:Walt Disney World]]
[[Category:Walt Disney Parks and Resorts attractions]]
[[Category:Shopping malls in Florida]]
[[Category:Shopping malls established in 1975]]